An Indian's Puja area

Evening Ganga Aarti at
Varanasi Ghat

Hinduism is a much celebrated religion, given the diversity of our deities. The diversity does not end with sheer "number" of deities, but extends to the description of their appearance, likes and dislikes, their powers and related anecdotes. Further, our scriptures provide elaborate instructions on invoking and pleasing them to receive their blessing.

Popular perception states that there are 33 crore deities in Hinduism. Sadly, this is nothing but mistranslated. The number is actually one and infinity at the same time. Everytime the sage philosopher Yajnavalkya of the Vedic times asked about the number of Gods, he would get a different number as an answer.

Idols of deities on sale

How exactly then to worship an infinite number of Gods. Our parents before us, their parents before them, their parents before them and so on, have followed a much simplified approach - Invoking of Gods through worship of three invisible Vishnu, Shiva and Devi; and, worship of three visible Agni, Vayu and Surya. Specific powers of Lakshmi Ganesha, Hanuman, Kali, Dhanvantri and many others are also worshiped. So is conduct of Shri Ram and preaching of Sai Baba. All in all, a Hindu's Puja room is nothing more and nothing less than a reflection of her or his faith.

By creating a pious area of worship, we create a place to invoke the presence or vaas of Gods. Through this vaas, the area gets charged with positive vibrations. By establishing a routine of visiting that area and praying, be it morning, evening or night, we ensure the positive vibrations are maintained. The constant positivity will charge our environment, mind, body and soul. Our personal relations and work efficiency will improve and and so will progress, prosperity and peace. By praying, we gain the positive energy and become carriers of the charge.

Decoration at a home Puja area

While planning to build/rent/buy a property, due to the space constraints, many people tend to ignore a separate Puja area. However, we must not sideline the need to make a place for God. There is no other force in the world capable of as much positivity as this one.

While meditation and praying is the best method of generating positive charge in the Puja area, as per Vastu, the placement of this area will help maximize the charge:

• The Puja area should be situated in the North, East or the North-east part of the home
• One should face East or North while worshiping
• While worshipping, the placement of the deities, in whatever form should be above the sitting plane of the person worshiping. 
• If possible, the base of the deities should be at the chest level of the person worshipping depending on the position, whether standing or sitting
• A Puja area should never be inside a bedroom or on a wall adjacent to the bathroom wall

My further posts will discuss the deities and contents of the Puja area in greater detail. 

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